A. D. L. Presents Award to Adlai Stevenson; is Lauded by Kennedy

January 15, 1962

NEW YORK (Jan. 14)

President Kennedy today hailed the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League "as a spokesman for equality and justice, and as a guardian of democratic rights" which is "making important contributions" to America’s democratic legacy.

The President made his statement in a message to Henry Edward Schultz, national chairman of the League, in connection with the presentation of the organization’s annual "America’s Democratic Legacy Award" to Adlai E. Stevenson, chairman of the United States delegation to the United Nations. The award was given today at a luncheon culminating the ADL’s 49th annual meeting, at the Plaza Hotel here.

In accepting the award, Mr. Stevenson stressed that the United States "has already proved beyond any possible doubt, for ourselves and all the world, that there is no barrier of race or worship or culture which the unflinching practice of democratic brotherhood cannot cross." Among the speakers today was Philip M. Klutznick, honorary president of B’nai B’rith, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations, where he represents the delegation headed by Mr. Stevenson on the UN Economic and Social Council.